Opener and closer for jars and the like



1,637,638 1927' c. v. HATZFELD OPENER AND CLOSER FOR JARS AND THE LIKE Filed July 5, 1924 W- QM \WR K I I I r I I v I I affoznug OHARmsVHATZFELD.

Patented Aug. 2, 1927.

owns v. rwrzrntn, OF'MINERAL wELLs, 'rnxas.

ornnnn. AND cnosn'a roa JARS AND rrm Lin.

Application filed July 5, 1924. Serial .No. 724,458.

Myinvention relates to-an improved closer and opener for jars and other vessels; and the object isto provide a simple tool by which such vessels as jars be quickly and easily closed and opened with little effort and which is adjustable to enge the tops of various sizes, from the smallest to the largest and which is provided with simple means for adjusting the tool to any size lid or cover. Other objects and advantages will be fully explained in the following description and the invention will {be more particularly pointed out in the claims.

Reference is had to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this application.

Fig. 1 is a plan view ofthe tool. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same. Fig. 3 is an inverted plan view of the gripping members, parts being broken. away. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail view of the adjustable gripin member.

Similar characters of reference are used to as indicate the same parts throughout the 'several views.

The tool is provided with a frame 1 substantially'rectangular with one side formed into a gripping member, having the parts 2 set at a slight angle to the sides 1 and having a portion '3 which is at angle to the parts 2 to make aconverging space, the object being to makethe gripping member engage different sizes of lids or covers. The frame is rovided with guide members 4 which may e formed integral with the frame members 1 and 2. The adjustablegripping member 5 has notches or cut-outs 6 to receive the guide members 4. The gripping member 5 is adjusted by a screw shaft 7 which is screwed through the member 1 and has a swivel connection with the member 3. The frame 1 has a bearing member 8 for the screw shaft 7 and this bearing member .8

may be made integral with the frame member 1. A handle 9 is provided for operating the screw shaft7. The gripping member 5 slidably engages the guide members 1 and this gripping member 5 is threaded to travel on the screw shaft 7. The lower parts of the gripping members 3 and 5 are provided with teeth 9. The teeth are arranged at inclines near the outer ends of the gripping members so that they will tend to press the lid or cover towards the center of the\gripping members. The parts thus described and the like may j the lid or cover with the grippin mem rs constitute the means for closing and opening jars orother vessels which have detachable lids or covers with screw or' cam fastenings.

In operation the tool is placed on to of 00 5 and 2 and 3 extendeddownwar 1y on the sides. The gripping member 5 is then tightened on the lid or cover of the vessel by turning the screw shaft 7. The bearing member and handle 8 can then be used to screw the top or lid for closing or opening the vessel.

The tool is also adapted for opening sealed cans or other vessels. A spear or point 10 7 may be formed integral with or attached to the frame or gripping member 3. This spear 10 is off-set out of the plane of the frame so that when the spear 10 isprojected down through the tin, the frame 1 can be rotated about the top of the can in close proximity thereto. A cutting blade 11 and a guide 12 may be formed integral with or attached to the gripping member 5. d

In operation the spear or pomt 10 is projected through the center of the top of the can and then the blade 11 and the guide 12 are adjusted by the screw shaft so that the guide 12 will move just outside of the can and the blade 11 projected down through the 35 tin next to the side wall. The' tool is then held on the can and the tool rotated by the handle 8 to cut the top of the can out, and leave the edge smooth. The tool is also provided with a bottle opener 13 which may be attached to the side of the tool as shown. This opener 13 may be used in the ordinary manner for 0 ening bottles or removing caps of soda pop ttles or caps from various sealed receptacles.

The shaft 7 is prevented from axial movement in the frame members 1 and 3 by a shoulder '14 at one end and a washer 15 with a pin 16 at the frame member 1.

Various changes in the construction, arrangement, and proportions of the several parts may be made without departing from my invention.

What I claim is z a 1. Avessel'opener and closer comprising a frame having an opening in one end and having the front end angular for forming a gripping member and longitudinal guide members integral with said frame, a screw shaft operating in said opening, and a curved gripping member engaged by said shaft and actuated thereby and having cutouts for recurve ceivinf a frame having an opening in one end and having the front end angular and converging towards the front for forming a gripping member, inclined teeth formed 1 a screw shaft operating through said opening and having a swivel connection with said gripping member, and a curved gripv integral form a gripping member, members rigid with the front and rear ends.

p ng member co-operating with,saifl angular gripping member and provided with inclined teeth for co-operating with theteeth of said angular gripping member.

3. A vessel opener and closer comprising a frame having an opening through its rear end and having at its front end two angular members converging towards the front and provided with inclined teeth to longitudinal guide of said frame, a curved i in member provided with inclined l i g teet co-operating with said angular gripping member and havthereon, a

ing recesses receiving said guide members,

and a screw shaft operating through said rear frame member and having a swivel connection with said front member and operating in said curved gripping member-for actuating 'said gripping member.

I 4. A vessel closer and opener comprising an opening-in the rear end and having two angular front end members converging towards the front andprovided with inc ined teeth and forming gripping membersI'lon:

itndinal guide members integral with said ront and rear members, a curved co-operating gripping member provided with recesses for said guide members and with inclined teeth co-operating with said angular gripping members and provided with a threaded opening threthrough, a screw shaft operating loosely through said rear end and ens gaging the threaded opening in said curved gripping member and having a swivel con-' nection with said front end, and a bearing for said screwshaftt In testimony whereof, I set my hand this 26th day of March, 1924.

CHARLES V. HATZFELD. 

